White-beaked dolphins are toothed whales belonging to the dolphin family and are one of the most common whales found by the shores of Iceland. White-beaked dolphins are solidly built and more thickset than other species of dolphins, a characteristic of smaller whales that have adapted to colder habitats. White-beaked dolphins are most often seen in smaller groups, although occasionally several groups will merge into larger pods with over 1,500 animals. Its name is derived from its light-coloured or white beak. White-beaked dolphins are very curious and often swim in the bow waves alongside fast ships and boats thus a common companion of whale watchers in Faxaflói bay.
